Hosting regional likely just dream for reeling Aggies

COLLEGE STATION — In about a week, the Aggies have gone from making an argument for playing host to an NCAA tournament super regional to needing a huge showing in this week’s Big 12 tournament just to host a regional.

It’s hard to imagine a league’s sixth place team playing host to a regional, meaning Baseball America’s preseason No. 1 team is probably going to have to try and earn its first berth to the College World Series in a decade from the road.

The Aggies (34-21 overall, 14-13 Big 12) have lost five of their last six Big 12 games, including losing all three at Oklahoma — the school that might have snagged the regional bid from A&M — the past three days.

Now, the Aggies will try and make up for it starting 4 p.m. Wednesday against Missouri in Oklahoma City in the Big 12 tournament.

“This team is ready to move on into a new season,” Childress said. “The regular season is done and over with, and we are where we are. But, believe me, we’re going into Bricktown to win a championship, and move on next week into the postseason.

“That’s what this team has been waiting on since last June. Now that we’re in the postseason, it’s time for us to put our money where our mouth is.”

It’s hard to believe a team can finally just turn it on in the postseason, but the Aggies made super regionals in the past two years after disappointing finishes to the regular season.

I’ll be headed to Oklahoma City after finishing up coverage of the NCAA Men’s Tennis Championships in College Station on Tuesday. The Big 12 tourney hasn’t been this important to A&M’s fortunes in memory, and the Aggies likely will need to make the finale to earn a shot at hosting a regional.